Ultimate Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe

Craving a dinner that delivers ultimate comfort without the fuss? This Parmesan Chicken Bake is your answer! Get ready for a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that requires minimal ingredients and effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, promising juicy chicken topped with a delicious, golden-brown cheesy crust. This recipe proves that maximum flavor doesn’t need maximum time.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Chicken Bake

This incredibly easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Here’s why you need to try this ultimate Parmesan Chicken Bake tonight:

• It uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Enjoy quick prep time with minimal fuss, making dinner a breeze.
• Achieve incredibly tender and juicy chicken every single time.
• It creates a delicious, crispy, and cheesy crust that everyone adores.
• This dish is family-friendly and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
• It offers a great low-carb and keto-friendly alternative to traditional chicken parm.

Ingredients for Parmesan Chicken Bake

Gather these few ingredients to create your next favorite meal. Quality ingredients truly elevate this easy Parmesan Chicken Bake recipe.

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 1.5-2 pounds total.
• 1 cup light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Or use a mix of both for a tangy twist.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Plus extra for topping.
• 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt: This blend is key for depth of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic note.

Notes & Substitutions

For the best texture and flavor in your Parmesan Chicken Bake, always choose freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated varieties can contain anti-caking agents affecting the melt. For more on the differences between fresh and pre-shredded cheese, it’s worth understanding how these additives impact your cooking. Seasoned salt is crucial here; it provides a blend of spices. Regular table salt would be too strong on its own. Use a good quality mayonnaise, such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s, for the creamiest sauce. Greek yogurt adds a pleasant tang and extra protein if you prefer. Chicken thighs can also be used; they will be incredibly moist but may require slightly longer baking.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen items to prepare this fantastic baked chicken dish.

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Or a slightly larger one to prevent overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: For combining your creamy Parmesan topping.
• Whisk or spoon: To blend the ingredients smoothly.
• Meat thermometer (optional): Highly recommended for ensuring perfect doneness.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Parmesan Chicken Bake

Follow these simple steps for a perfect, juicy, and flavorful Parmesan Chicken Bake every time. This beginner-friendly method makes baking easy.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the inside of a 9×13 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer within the prepared baking dish. Ensure they are not too crowded.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
5. Spread this creamy Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure to fully cover all exposed raw chicken meat. This crucial step helps keep the chicken wonderfully moist during baking.
6. Sprinkle an additional amount of fresh Parmesan cheese over the coated chicken breasts. This layer will create an extra cheesy, golden crust.
7. Bake the uncovered dish in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes.
8. To ensure the chicken is safely cooked, check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). This aligns with the USDA’s recommended safe internal temperature for poultry.
9. Once baked, remove the Parmesan Chicken Bake from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.

Pro Tips for the Best Parmesan Chicken Bake

Achieve perfect results with these simple tricks for your cheesy chicken bake.

• Use a slightly larger baking pan if your chicken breasts are big; this prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
• Avoid overcrowding the chicken breasts in the dish to ensure even cooking and a crisper crust.
• Ensure the mayonnaise mixture fully covers each piece of chicken to lock in moisture.
• Always use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip, as the latter’s sweetness affects the savory flavor and texture.
• Bake until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cheese has melted beautifully.
• Rest your chicken for 5-10 minutes after baking; this makes the meat incredibly juicy.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile Parmesan Chicken Bake pairs wonderfully with various sides and is great for meal prepping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your delicious baked chicken with a side of your favorite pasta or fluffy rice.
• Pair it with a crisp, fresh green salad or some simply steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Offer a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up any flavorful juices.

Storage & Reheating

• Store any leftover Parmesan Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 5-6 days, making it excellent for meal prep.
• Gently reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Many find this baked chicken tastes even better the next day!

Recipe Variations

• Add a layer of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a chicken parm-style twist.
• Top the creamy mixture with buttered Panko breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crispy crust.
• Incorporate vegetables like broccoli florets or cauliflower during the last 20 minutes of baking.
• Experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or even a little cheddar for a different flavor.
• Stir in fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or a pinch of Italian seasoning into the mayonnaise mixture.

Nutrition Information

This Parmesan Chicken Bake is a delicious, high-protein, and naturally low-carb meal option.

*Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. It serves as a general guide.

Ultimate Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Bake

This Ultimate Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Bake features tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy, cheesy mixture and baked to perfection. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup of each
• ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese plus more for topping
• 1.5 tsp seasoned salt not regular table salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• Oven
• 9×13 inch glass pan
• mixing bowl
• Microwave

Method

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch glass pan and arrange chicken breasts inside.
2. Combine mayonnaise/yogurt, parmesan, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle with additional parmesan.
3. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until cooked through. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for best results.

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day; simply reheat it in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about making this delightful chicken bake.

• Can I use canned/powdered Parmesan cheese? No, fresh Parmesan is crucial for the best flavor and creamy, melted texture in your chicken bake.
• What is seasoned salt? Can I use regular salt? Seasoned salt is a savory spice blend; using regular table salt alone will make the dish too salty and lack flavor depth.
• Can I freeze Parmesan Chicken Bake? Freezing is not recommended for this dish; the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing and reheating.
• Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise? No, Miracle Whip is sweeter and has a different consistency that will negatively affect the savory flavor and creamy texture of the sauce.
• How do I prevent the chicken from being watery? Use a larger baking pan and avoid overcrowding the chicken; this allows moisture to evaporate properly during baking.
• Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, but significantly reduce the baking time to about 20-30 minutes, just until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly ultimate Parmesan Chicken Bake recipe that proves incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. This dish is the epitome of quick and easy comfort food, perfect for any busy weeknight. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a guaranteed winner in your kitchen. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe tonight and experience the magic yourself. We’d love for you to share your feedback and photos!